The Armed Citizen® May 22, 2017

by
posted on May 22, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ac2009_fs.jpg (6)

Imagine being jolted awake by the sound of a crash, then seeing a pick axe and a man with a black bandana over his face coming through your bedroom door. A Foley, Ala., man lived through that situation because he had a loaded gun within arm’s reach. After the stranger charged toward him while he was still in bed, the homeowner fired, killing the burglar. Two accomplices, who are charged with planning the crime, have since been arrested. (The Onlooker, Foley, AL, 3/8/17) 

The Armed Citizen® Extra
Early one morning an intruder holding a large metal flashlight walked into a couple’s unlocked apartment. One of the residents, an ex-Marine, picked up his SIG Sauer .40-cal. pistol, and warned the intruder to leave. The man complied but returned and broke the glass out of the front door. The female resident called 9-1-1 while her boyfriend shot the intruder, hitting him in the shoulder. The would-be burglar then smashed the windows of the residents’ car and returned to sit at the front door until police arrived. He was subsequently arrested and charged with burglary. The ex-Marine was not charged. (CentralMaine.com, Richmond, ME, 3/8/17) 

From the Armed Citizen® Archives
May 1972
Mrs. Velma Priddle was alone in her home in Palo Alto, Calif., one morning when she heard a car drive up outside. A man with a screwdriver then approached her screen door. When Mrs. Priddle asked him what he wanted, he raised the screwdriver as if to strike her. She reached for a .22 rifle and wounded the man. Police later said the man had a long record of burglary arrests. (The Palo Alto Times, Palo Alto, CA)

Latest

Franchi Momentum MULE rifle
Franchi Momentum MULE rifle

New for 2026: Franchi Momentum Mule Rifle

Franchi’s do-it-all MULE rifle is designed as a general-purpose carbine.

New for 2026: Smith & Wesson Spec Series M&P9 and R Handguns

Smith & Wesson expands its Spec series with the Spec Series IV M&P9 M2.0 Metal Compact pistol and the Spec Series R revolver.

New for 2026: Henry Provider and Protector Rifles

For 2026, Henry adds two new product families, one designed for hunting, the other for protection.

Gun Of The Week: Daniel Defense DDPCC 9 mm Carbine

Daniel Defense's pistol-caliber carbine, the DDPCC, offers AR-15-style operation in a more budget-friendly caliber.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 23, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

New for 2026: Stoeger STR-45 Combat Pistol

For 2026, Stoeger adds the .45 ACP chambering to its Combat line of STR handguns.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.